Integrated care is a unique feature of our approach at Metta. Unlike most wellness facilities, our massage therapists and the majority of our yoga practitioners share in the ongoing vision and the day-to-day operation of the Clinic and take pride in making your time at Metta a positive experience.

The inherent synergy between massage and yoga inspire staff to consult with one another on a regular basis and share expertise with the goal of giving you the best care possible.

Our practitioners each bring their unique strengths and talents to the care they extend to you.

Massage Therapists & Yoga Teachers

Karina Ackert, RMT

Founder/Clinic Director
Registered Massage Therapist & Yoga Teacher

Karina practices massage therapy and therapeutic yoga full time at Metta Massage & Yoga Clinic. She has been teaching yoga for over 18 years, and has been a registered massage therapist for 16 years. Karina has specialized training in Yoga for Children, Recovery Yoga... Read full bio

Leona Alexander, RMT

Registered Massage Therapist & Therapeutic Yoga Teacher

Leona has been a Registered Massage Therapist for over 20 years, and has been teaching yoga for the past 8 years. Interweaving principles of mindfulness based stress reduction with a deep understanding of physical movement and anatomy, Leona guides clients to be more at ease with the moment and facilitates... Read full bio

Lynne Cardinal

Yoga Teacher

Lynne has been teaching and giving lectures and seminars on subjects related to Stress Management, Yoga, Relaxation and Meditation for over 30 years in Canada, Europe and India. She studied Eastern Philosophy from the International Meditation Institute in the Himalayas from where she received a Ph.D. in Eastern Philosophy. Read full bio

Lori Chamberland

Yoga Teacher & Reflexologist

Lori specializes in developing and delivering education-based classes that help people understand how yoga helps to reverse the negative impact of chronic stress on their mind, body and overall health. Her classes empower people to use practical tools such as conscious breathing, yoga postures and the power of positive thought to relieve stress... Read full bio

Craig Curran, RMT

Registered Massage Therapist

As a Massage Therapist, Craig takes a particular interest in putting together the puzzle pieces of myofascial pain and dysfunction. Treating a variety of clients including athletes, prenatal clients, people with chronic pain and other injuries, Craig offers a knowledgeable and compassionate approach to massage therapy treatment. Read full bio

Khoa Do, RMT

Registered Massage Therapist

As a Registered Massage Therapist since 2006, Khoa brings a keen interest in A.R.T. Release Therapy, clinical assessment skills and therapeutic treatments to his practice at Metta. Khoa is available for Massage therapy bookings at Metta on Saturdays and Sundays... Read full bio

Michael Fahey

Therapeutic Yoga Teacher

Michael has been a Yoga practitioner for over forty years and has taught Hatha, Restorative and Yoga Ball for the past twenty years. During his three trips to India, starting in 1978, he has studied Vedanta philosophy, meditation and Kirtan (devotional singing). Michael has recently moved to Ottawa from Nova Scotia... Read full bio

Angele Givogue, RMT

Registered Massage Therapist

Angele learned the value of hands-on healing techniques at an early age and later pursued a formal education in Massage Therapy. With a keen interest in blending deep tissue, hot stone and energy bodywork, Angele’s friendly disposition and down-to-earth spirituality make her sessions therapeutic at all levels of being... Read full bio

Angela Hayward, RMT

Registered Massage Therapist

With 3 years of clinical experience as a Massage Therapist, Angela brings with her a willingness to explore challenges and is at her best when using her critical thinking to assess a client's condition. Angela has seen great results through Massage Therapy in particular with conditions such as TMJ syndrome, nerve lesions... Read full bio

Sheila Huggins-Rao

Prenatal Yoga Teacher

Sheila has been studying and practicing yoga for over ten years and has been a teacher of Hatha Yoga for five years. She completed training in prenatal yoga teaching while carrying her first child and is now focusing her teaching on yoga for expectant mothers. Read full bio

Devin Johnstone

Thai Massage Practitioner & Yoga Teacher

Devin has been teaching yoga, practicing Thai Massage and offering professional Thai Massage certification training courses for over 7 years. A passionate student of qi gong, tai chi, yoga and meditation, Devin combines his knowledge of eastern and western healing methods to his Thai Massage and therapeutic Private Yoga practice with compassion and precision.... Read full bio

Paula Pyne

Yoga Teacher

Paula has been practicing yoga for nearly a decade. She is grateful for the influence of so many revered teachers who have inspired her evolution and growth. In her yoga practice, Paula employs numerous aspects of Hatha Yoga with a focus on meditation and asanas that connect the mind-body-spirit through the breath... Read full bio

Jennie Stratton

Client Care Representative & Yoga Teacher

A graduate of the University of Ottawa’s fine arts program and Rama Lotus’ Hatha Yoga Teacher Training, Jennie is very excited to join the team at Metta! With the understanding that global peace begins in our own backyards, Jennie chose a path teaching yoga and looks forward to sharing it with others. Read full bio

Mercedes Veloso-Ascension, RMT

Registered Massage Therapist & Reflexologist

Mercedes is a Registered Massage Therapist and Reflexologist with an extensive background in foot care. For almost 20 years, Mercedes practiced as a Chiropodist in Cuba and Spain, specializing in foot, ankle and knee rehabilitation. Read full bio